Raffia Crochet Bucket Hat

This summer classic bucket hats are hot again. I like the simple lines and comfort of this style –the perfect shape for minimal hair-do damage while protecting against high FL humidity in summer. That said, my fave bucket hat was a bit warm and heavy making this the perfect opportunity to crochet a raffia bucket hat for a fraction of the cost of ready-made offerings.
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I started by searching "raffia crochet bucket hat patterns" finding tons of free and paid patterns with lots of valuable hints. A few noted how crocheting with raffia is a big tough on the hands, so I started thinking about how I could make this hat fit perfectly without frogging.

Searching the net, I found that most paper raffia came in varying sized spools of paper tightly folded into a 1/4" strand . I settled on a 218 yd  Spool of Raffia Paper Craft Ribbon Packing Paper Twine, 1/4" by Creatrill online for $9.99 and only used 1/2 the spool. While this is same type raffia most of the patterns specified, it was obviously quite stiff to work, so I planned to limited my work sessions stretching it out over a few days to protect my hands/wrists!

While planning, Hobbii posted this link to "The Tour" Bucket Hat pattern. It's well written and designed with small, medium and large options using #4 worsted weight yarn. Not made for raffia, but the perfect for technique in the precise shape I was looking for.

So, WHY didn’t I use a raffia bucket hat pattern?

I decided that the right shape (Hobbi) pattern in combination with my (same style, cloth) bucket hat as a template would produce the right fit. Instead of attempting several hooks/swatches to get to correct gauge; I used my hat as a guide to fine tune the pattern for raffia as I worked the hat.

​Using the Hobbii pattern to start the crown, it was very easy to adjust the stitch count easily following the structure of the fabric hat to ensure fit. This worked very well –no frogging.

Starting with the recommended 3mm hook for specified Rainbow Cotton 8/8 (comparable to #4 worsted), I could barely pull through stitches, so I moved up to 4.5 hook, (still tough going). Continuing, I discovered a back loop sc (vs. a standard sc) it was much easier and looked nice –and the hook upsizing was hardly detectable

I eventually settled on a 6mm hook, following instructions for the hat crown row by row while checking the diameter after every row before moving to the sides. The hat crown, sides and brim needed less rows than specified in the pattern because the stitches were taller, but I followed the pattern increases and there was no rippling or cupping as I successfully replicated the fabric hat; moving on to the brim following increases and measuring until it was the perfect length. The stitches have rustic appearance, but I like the look for this hat. Surprisingly, it wasn’t obvious that I increased my hook up 3 full sizes!?

I ended up with the most cool, comfortable hat I own, and it’s packable!

I’d love to continue this method to create other favorite shapes and brims... Before I do, I’ll need to find a finer, more supple raffia (or straw)!?

​There are some pricey versions on the market that I'd love to try, but only after I get some recommendations from yarners who have found a finer, more grass-like fiber that would be easier to hook and produce a finer stitch pattern… Please share!